(Note: Please use your own judgment about anything mentioned in this (or any) article, and first and foremost BE SAFE!)

Using a cauldron, symbol of inspiration and rebirth, has brought new dimensions to both group and solitary work. A cauldron decorates the centre of the Circle during Lesser Sabbats. An air cauldron at a spring rite creates a misty, magical quality for the ceremony. In summer, the cauldron will flash and spark. A blue flame burnsmysteriously within the Water cauldron during the autumn festival. Throughout Yule, the Earth cauldron burns steadfast and constant. During moon rites, when magick is done, we write the purpose of our working on flash papers and toss them into the burning cauldron while chanting.

A working cauldron should be of cast iron, with a tight-fitting lid, three sturdy legs, and a strong handle. Season your cauldron before using it for the first time. Pour in generous helping of salt and wipe dry. For indoor use it MUST have a fireproof base or your workings will summon up yellow-coated salamander spirits from the fire department.

EARTH CauldronLayer salt, wax shavings, three powered or ground herbs and ivy leaves in the cauldron while focus and chanting. Use a candle to light it. When the smoke starts, extinguish the cauldron by putting the lid on.

AIR CauldronUsing tongs, put a chunk of dry ice in a small glass or ceramic bowl and place the bowl on a cloth in the bottom of the cauldron. Allow the cauldron to smoke as long as the ice lasts. The mists create excellent images for scrying.

FIRE CauldronCover the inside bottom with dirt or sand to dissipate heat. Light incense charcoal and add either salt peter for flame and spark or flash powder for a different but spectacular effect. Use the powder sparingly and SAFELY.

WATER CauldronAt least seven days before the ritual, place equal quantities of tree appropriate herbs in a pint glass jar. Fill the rest of the jar with Everclear (200 proof alcohol), cap tightly, and shake gently while concentrating on the purpose of the ritual. Add a chant if its feels right. Let the jar rest in a dark, warm spot and shake twice daily, charging with purpose. Before the ritual, place a fireproof ceramic or glass bowl in the cauldron. Pour in the herb mixture, being careful none spills into the cauldron. Light with a candle to produce a beautiful blue flame.

The cauldron, as the fifth elemental spirit, symbolises inspiration, rebirth, illumination and rejuvenation. Use a Fire cauldron with salt peter to cast a Circle. Use the mists of an Air cauldron for an initiation. Burn away hate, prejudice and negative self-images, with a Water cauldron. The Earth cauldron is ideal for indoor Beltane rites.

Remember to place a burning cauldron on a fireproof surface. Practice safety when using any volatile materials and you will enjoy your cauldron for many rites.Courtesy of Ravensgrove Coven, Facebook

May your summers and winters be short, springs be mild and autumn reaping plentiful.

MUST have a fireproof base or your workings will summon up yellow-coated salamander spirits from the fire department.

it made me laugh, good medicine for me. I just wish I had a propper Cauldron I have a Ceramic Look alike that I use with candles I have a thick layer of fine sand in the bottom. Hubby is not willing to buy one off Ebay even if I actually pay for it. (oh my kingdom for a credit card) B.BHazel

I have a smallish cast iron cauldron (that I oil frequently to prevent its getting rusty!) that is used every esbat and a large "bean pot" style clay one that is used for special quarter ceremonies. I hadn't thought about using it in the ways you've described, what a nice idea!